The small village of Pallaskenry, located on the Shannon estuary in Co Limerick, is abuzz with talk of who is the mystery millionaire among them after confirmation that the latest Lotto winner is from there.
The winning lottery ticket from 1 March draw was purchased on 26 February in the local Gala store.
The winner scooped a prize of over €2.6 million after buying a 'quick pick' in the village store. The winning numbers were 2, 6, 7, 10, 28, 32 and the bonus number was 19.
The National Lottery confirmed that the winner has been in touch, and they are currently making arrangements for them to collect their life-changing prize and mark the celebration.
It is shaping up to be a lucky year for lotto jackpot winners - there have been four in the first two months sharing a prize fund of over €12.5m, with other winners from Dublin, Kerry and Louth, and two further millionaires in other prize funds this year.
Gala store owner Johnny Chen expressed his joy after receiving the news that his shop sold the winning ticket: "I've been running the shop here for over four years, and this is by far the most exciting Lotto moment we've ever had!
"Pallaskenry may be a small village, but we’re a close-knit community, and our team of three works hard to serve everyone here. This incredible news has brought a wonderful buzz to the village, and we couldn’t be happier for the winner. We wish them all the best as they embark on this life-changing journey!" he said.
Regular visitors to the shop are neighbours David Hourigan, Noreen Charlton and Mairéad Sheehan.
They said they were delighted for whoever has won the money and they do hope it is somebody local.
"We're thrilled for whoever it is," Mairéad said. "We'll be watching out for signs, to see if anyone has bought a new Merc," she joked.
"It's a huge amount of money," David Hourigan said. "Life-changing really and I wish them all the best," he added.
National Lottery spokesperson Emma Monaghan said: "We’re delighted to welcome another jackpot winner! With such an amazing start to the year, it’s been a joy to see so many lives transformed. So far this year, we have double the amount of jackpot winners compared to last.
"We can officially confirm that the winner has been in contact, and arrangements are under way for them to collect their prize. We look forward to celebrating with them at Lottery HQ!"
Nearly 30 cents in every €1 spent on National Lottery games goes to good causes in the areas of sport, youth, health, welfare, education, arts, heritage and the Irish Language.
In total, more than €6.5 billion has been raised for good causes since the National Lottery was established 37 years ago.
In 2023 alone, €227.9m was raised for local good causes in communities across Ireland.
